More Bowling...

It was Carsyn's turn to go bowling today. The first grade and their fifth grade prayer partners had a great time. Because Carsyn was able to use the bumpers, she bowled considerably higher than Logan--which she found extremely amusing. I also had a lifetime high game...161--which I had a little too much fun bragging about to all the fifth graders ; ).

Carsyn and her gal pals...

Bowlin', Bowlin'...

Today Logan's class along with their prayer partners went on the annual bowling field trip. Third grade is the first year that the kids bowl without bumpers. As a result, Logan bowled a 44 in the first game ; ). Oh well, it was super-fun anyway.

Bowling fun...

Spring Sunday...

We are loving this warmer weather. Today was gorgeous--low 80's! After Mass we spent the whole day outside doing yard work and getting some sun. It was awesome!

The girls before Mass...

Father/Daughter Dance...

Logan and Carsyn were super-excited for their "date" with daddy at the Girl Scout father/daughter dance tonight. It was a luau theme this year, so they got to pull out some of their accessories from Hawaii. Don't they look cute?

Aloha...

Daddy's girls (minus Maren--next year she'll get to go too)...

The girls had a great time dancing and playing games with their friends, and of course daddy. Here is the only decent picture that daddy took at the dance...

Claire and Carsyn...

Third Grade Photo Shoot...

This morning I went over to school to take some pictures of Logan's class for our upcoming school auction fundraiser. I think the kids had fun with our little photo shoot. Here are a couple of pics I took of Logan and her friends...

Logan...

and friends...

Purple Day...

Once a month Maren's school has a "color" day where all the kids are supposed to dress in that color. Today was purple day. Maren decided to go all purple! While everything was a different shade of purple and lavender, I think she still looked cute!

Purplicious...

Such a Fun Sunday...

After Mass this morning we took the girls downtown to see a stage production of Beauty and the Beast. Daddy had drill this weekend, so Logan got to take her friend Meghan again. The girls had a great time. Carsyn loved it. Even though it was a little different than Disney's version, she still loves the story. What a fun and lovely day!

Getting ready for church...

Downtown...

At the theatre...

Next Year is Here...

We're so excited for the Cubs home opener later today on WGN. Maren and Carsyn were supporting the Cubbies with their red and blue (you can't tell from the picture, but Carsyn is wearing a Cubs headband), but Logan insisted on wearing black and yellow for VCU (her class' team for the tournament). Daddy was a little mad because Logan told him that they were going to "Ram the Bulldogs!" But, who can blame her--Shaka Smart is extremely good-looking!

Go Cubs Go...

Dress Down Day...

The girls had another dress-down day at school--I'm sure the teachers were thrilled ; ). It was cold today, but Logan and Carsyn were happy to be able to wear their cute boots. Maren and I had lunch/recess duty. It was pretty chilly out there, but luckily it was a "popcorn Friday"--Maren's favorite!

Before school...

3rd graders (plus Maren)...

First grade friends...

Daisy Field Trip to Graeter's...

Right after school today Carsyn's Daisy troop went on a field trip to Graeter's. The girls learned all about how they make their ice cream, but more importantly--they all got to enjoy a scoop!

Carsyn and Claire...

Spring Picture Day...

The girls (Logan and Carsyn) had their Spring pictures taken at school today, so it was a dress-up day. Of course these aren't their Easter dresses, but they were still excited to be out of uniform.

Happy Spring...

Les Misérables...

Right after Mass this morning we drove to Columbus to see the the national touring production of Les Misérables. The girls were really looking forward to it. A few months ago we were in the car and decided to listen to the musical soundtrack instead of letting them watch a DVD--change things up a bit. They loved it--they acted like they'd never heard it before, but that's completely not true. It was so funny because Carsyn insisted that Cosette sounded just like Pocahontas when she sang. Well, when we got home I googled it and found out that it was the same person--crazy. I also found out that Les Miz was coming to Columbus, so we got tickets! It was fabulous, and the girls had a great time.

Ready for Mass...

Outside the theatre...

Ironically, when we got home the Les Miz 25th anniversary special from London was on PBS. The girls and I actually watched the entire second act; they were mesmerized. Did I mention that Nick Jonas was playing Marius? It was pretty cool.

Happy St. Patrick's Day...

The girls didn't want to get pinched today. Luckily they were allowed to add some green to their school uniforms. Hope you all have a happy and safe St. Patrick's Day!

Washington Weekend...

We just can't get enough of our Nation's Capital. Since moving from Nothern Virginia, we've been back to visit now four times. There's always something new to do, and there are always old friends to see. The girls had a three-day weekend from school, so we made plans to visit. We left immediately after school on Thursday and drove all night. We had rain/snow the whole way, so it took a little longer than normal. On Friday morning after breakfast we headed over to the White House for our tour! Finally. I've been trying to arrange a White House tour for the past two years with no luck. It was pretty cool, but we didn't run into the Obamas--which we had hoped to. The girls were all decked out in J. Crew just in case ; ) Afterward we went back to our hotel for lunch and to get our cameras (you aren't allowed to bring anything but your ID and phone into the White House.) Then we walked over to the American History museum and the Natural History museum. The girls love the Smithsonian's and we had fun checking out some the exhibits that we don't usually go to. We also had to take some pictures out on the Mall!

The girls on our hotel balcony...

Exiting the White House (taken with our phone)...

Carsyn and Logan...

Youngest to oldest...

Future First Lady?

Logan...

Take one...

Take two...

Take three...

Take four...

Beautiful day in D.C...

Friday evening we got the girls dinner in the room. They hung out with Nana watching iCarly while mommy and daddy took the Metro to meet some of daddy's old work friends. It was a fun night out!

Daddy and Mike...

Is that the President?

Saturday we got a later start than we had intended, but we eventually made it to the National Zoo (no thanks to our crazy cab driver). The girls love this zoo, and we didn't get a chance to go last summer when we were out in Washington. Daddy's buddy and his girlfriend came out and spent the afternoon with us. The girls had a blast--it's always fun having a new audience to show off for--thanks for playing along, guys!

The girls...

Maren and the emu...

Carsyn looking...at something...

Messing around...

with daddy...

Carsyn...

Maren loved hanging out with her new buddy...

So nice. Thanks for coming out, guys!

Zoo-girls...

After the zoo we took a taxi over to U Street for lunch at Ben's Chili Bowl. We didn't get to sit in the President's booth, but we lunch was great. The girls had hot dogs and tried veggie chili fries. Then we took the Metro back to our hotel to get our car and drive to our friends' house. The girls couldn't wait to play with Charlie and Sydney!

Maren waiting to get into Ben's...

Having fun with old friends...

Sunday morning we were so rushed to get breakfast and check out of the hotel (thanks to daylight savings time), so we could make it to Mass. The girls were so excited for church. Wait, why would that be??? Because they couldn't wait to meet daddy's friend, Mike. The girls had been talking about this non-stop for weeks. After church we went out for lunch. All the girls took an immediately liking to Mike, but Maren definitely tried to steal the show. In fact, she hasn't stopped talking about him. What a great guy--thanks for hanging out with us!

Maren & Mike...

Awww...